Typhoon Matmo causes US$268 million in damage in Vietnam
Typhoon Matmo has been one of the most severe natural disaster events in recent years, producing widespread flooding and landslides in northern Vietnam.
THE HANOI TIMES — Widespread flooding triggered by torrential rains in the wake of Typhoon Matmo has left 18 people dead or missing, inundated hundreds of thousands of homes, and caused severe infrastructure damage across northern Vietnam, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
As of 11:30 AM on October 11, reports from the affected localities estimated total losses at more than VND7.05 trillion (US$268 million), with the northern province of Thai Nguyen suffering the heaviest damage, VND2.4 trillion ($92 million), followed by Cao Bang and Lang Son.
Many areas in the northern province of Thai Nguyen is submerged in floodwater. Photo: Thai Nguyen Newspaper
Over 230,000 houses have been flooded or damaged, with Thai Nguyen accounting for nearly 90% of the total. Other localities are also in severe condition, including Bac Ninh (11,061 houses), Cao Bang (7,500), Hanoi (8,186), and Lang Son (3,000). As of midday October 11, over 66,600 houses were still underwater, including 54,000 in Thai Nguyen alone.
Around 1,600 houses have been isolated by flooding and landslides, mainly in Lang Son and Thai Nguyen. Nearly 9,500 hectares of crops were submerged and some 43,000 poultry were killed or swept away. About 25,300 hectares of rice were inundated or destroyed. Floods also killed 13,000 livestock and 690,000 poultry, seriously affecting the livelihoods of residents.
Dyke systems sustained heavy damage, with 49 incidents recorded across Thai Nguyen, Bac Ninh, and Hanoi. Bac Ninh alone reported 40 cases. Emergency flood control measures have been deployed along major dykes.
Transport infrastructure has also been severely disrupted, with many rural roads cut off, hampering rescue operations and the delivery of relief supplies.
The Hanoi-Thai Nguyen Expressway is submerged due to rising floodwaters. Photo: VNA
Approximately 550,000 locals in the northern provinces experienced outages. Power has been restored for about 421,000 customers, while around 128,600 remain without electricity, including half in Thai Nguyen Province.
Local authorities continue to assess damage and mobilize resources to support affected communities in recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Vietnam calls for international aid for post-storm recovery efforts
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment this week held a Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership meeting in Hanoi to promote information sharing on disaster prevention between the Government and national and international organizations.
Nguyen Hoang Hiep, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, called for continued partnership and assistance from international partners as the country is grappling with floodwaters in many areas rising above historic levels, posing a high risk of prolonged inundation and landslides.
Contributions from international organizations remain crucial, with key infrastructure such as clinics, schools and local government offices must be restored quickly to stabilize livelihoods and maintain public services.
Essential supplies such as food, clean water, water purifiers, household items and disinfectants are urgently needed, while housing and production recovery remain top priorities as nearly all homes in flood-hit areas have been damaged and require repair.
"Vietnam is now focused on recovery efforts, but resources are limited and help is needed from the international community in a spirit of humanitarianism and sharing," said Hiep.
Pauline Tamesis, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, expressed sympathy for the loss of lives and property caused by the recent disasters and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to stand with Vietnam not only in emergency response but in long-term resilience programs.
She urged development partners to coordinate in carrying out fast, effective support measures for people in flood-affected areas.
More emergency relief for disaster-affected communities
The Vietnam Red Cross Society (VNRC) on October 11 launched a large-scale emergency relief to support people in ten provinces severely affected by two typhoons of Bualoi and Matmo, including Bac Ninh, Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh and Quang Tri.
Relief forces help residents in Huu Lung Commune of the mountainous province of Lang Son to recover from the floods. Photo: Lang Son Newspaper
The VNRC has launched a flood relief campaign through its H2025 account at Vietcombank and has sent many delegations to affected areas to deliver aid and assess further needs in addition to billions of Vietnam dong for family kits and essential supplies.
Organizations and individuals can continue to support people affected by floods via VNRC’s H2025 account at Vietcombank and all aid recipients will be publicly posted.
In late September, Typhoon Bualoi devastated northern and central Vietnam, killing at least 51 people and causing an estimated VND16 trillion (US$606 million) in damages.
Since the beginning of the year, natural disasters have claimed 238 lives, injured more than 400 people, and caused an estimated US$1.3 billion in economic losses. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has warned that up to three more storms may hit Vietnam before the end of 2025.
